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June 14, 2012

➷ Restoration Hardware Decoupage Map ▫Knock Off▫ ➹

You guys know I'm a fan of Restoration Hardware's Map Art- remember these knock offs from a few months ago ?

Well, I was brainstorming a way to get bigger version of this MAP art- but also trying to figure a way to keep costs low. I figured I could use the same tutorial- {which explains on how to blow up a jpeg image of a map and keep the high resolution.}

But also- I could print off INDIVIDUAL color pages and pay per page rather then paying 60+ bucks for one giant color print off.

They sell a decoupaged reproduction map of Paris for a couple thousand bucks! Crazy!

Well- if they can mod podge- then so can I.

Here's what you need to recreate the look.

1] Get your Image: Use this tutorial to get your jpeg images of your map- or whatever else you're blowing up

2] Print'em off: I prefer to print mine off with a laser printer when I'm going to decoupage them. So off to Staples I went. I had them do a couple test sizes- trying to determine how large I could get my map before it got too pixelated- and finally settled on the largest image I could get.

But you could also go in with specific measurement in mind and that would be easy too.

3] Cut Wood or Canvas: Once I knew how large I could get my map, I had a piece of mdf cut to size.

4]Get you Images Ready: Use a paper cutter to cut off all the excess white boarders on each page

5] Deoupage: Use Mod Podge to decoupage each piece of your map puzzle together. I started in the top corner and worked one at a time.

Brush mod podge onto your surface, then onto the back of the paper and adhere. Burnish the front of the map- making sure to work out any bubbles.

6] Edges: Either: Wrap the Map around the edges and Mod Podge them down, see where my white arrows are in the above image? That was my overhang.

or- If your map is too small to do that, you can paint the edges a matching color.

7] Seal you Map: Use a final coat of Mod Podge to cover the front and seal the work together.

My map ended up being about 3 1/2 feet by 4 1/2 feet- perfect for over the guest bed. Like I mentioned- I wanted it as big as I could get it- without having losing detail via pixelation.

The placement had me thinking of these pics I had pinned on Pinterest.

I believe all of these, mine included, are maps of Paris.

The Cost:

Color Copies: $12

Mdf: $10 {I purchased a small piece to save money}

Hanging Hardware: $6

I already had: Brush, Mod Podge, Paper Cutter, Paint

RH sells theirs for $1,700 to $2,450. Super rad savings, right?

But I did go out and buy a special cleat that allows me to hang heavy art on the wall. I don't need this thing falling on my Grandma when she comes for a visit! ;-) I also used the same type of cleat to hang my headboard in this post- in case you'd like to see what it looks like and how it works. Oh yeah- it cost 10 bucks but you can buy it at Hobby Lobby with a coupon and save 40%.

For any of my more nosey readers- I've mentioned a million times how this room has to "do it all" as a sparebedroom/craft room/ office/storage room. Here you can see how close the desk is. Just keeping it real, folks!

You totally blew this one out of the park! I am shocked that those are all individual pages. I absolutely love how it turned out. You have a serious talent for figuring out how to make things on your own--and they even look better than the original! Great job Becca!

Visiting from At the Picket Fence. What a wonderful idea - I've been wanting to frame some maps up for wall decor and was frustrated because none of my old collection of National Geographic maps fit into standard-size frames. Your post has turned on the light bulb above my head, bzzzzz! The map you put together is truly stunning, I want one JUST LIKE IT!

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! I have a series on my blog that features projects inspired by RH, and would love to have you share this as a guest post. Let me know if you're interested! http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com

That's pretty friggin' awesome! I'm definitely going to do this. I had no idea a map like this retailed for so much money!! Kudos to you for figuring out a better way ... and then sharing your secret with the rest of us!

This is a great idea. I just purchased a vintage looking map poster and need something to do with it. I will keep your idea in mind. :) I am your newest follower. Please feel free to check out my blog - www.jamscorner.com

What a fabulous project. It's just perfect for that spot above the bed. I'd love to link to it and use one of your photos for an upcoming post about great ideas around the blogosphere, with your permission.

Wow, it looks so great! I actually have a REAL map of Paris that my grandpa brought back when he was in the service... it's from the 40's... jealous at all!? LOL! ;o) I might just decopauge it to a piece of MDF!

I absolutely love this! I have been keeping my out for a large vintage map at the antique stores but, they want a fortune for them. It looks like I will be taking a trip to the copy shop. I have become your newest follower and look forward to reading your future posts. Thanks for sharing!

Great post, I absolutely love the way that map looks on the wall. It's classy and adventurous at the same time. I'm just a huge fan of decorative hardware around the house, I think it has more character and personality than paintings or photographs.

My husband and I love this project! We're planning to make our own as the first of many DIY projects we want to tackle. We're complete newbs! We noticed in the supplies needed, you listed Behr faux glaze, but didn't see it used anywhere in the step-by-step instructions. When does the glaze come into play?

Hi! Your blog is great & we've done a couple of your projects now. Thanks for the great ideas! We are currently working on the decoupage map knock off & I see faux glaze in your supply picture, but don't see it anywhere in the instructions. Is it something you do after the coat of mod podge? Help!

Totally awesome! I want a Louisiana plantation map but didn't want to dish out the big bucks for a big one! Thanks to you, I'm gonna try to make my own! Thanks so much for the great tutorial and links! I'm a new follower!

That is so awesome! genius idea! can you please elaborate on how to copy the image you find online in pieces? Also can you share your source of the map you used? how many individual prints did u need to take for your size? thanks a ton! i will be making this soon.

Hey, I wanted to tell you that this project has inspired me! I really like the map idea, but I prefer Americana, so I went looking around, and on Wikipedia (of all places) I found a HUGE image of the town I grew up in, as it was in 1880, and it was done in the same style, with the 3-D perspective. So I'm going to follow your tutorial and make a map of small-town America and put it (somewhere) in my house. I'm so excited!! Thanks for the inspiration!

Curious about any needed treatment to theMDF surface? I finally sat still long enough to get the prints done (I'm doing Glasgow circa 1826). At this point I am ready to start and don't want to mess it up by not prepping the surface properly. I also have the same questions as others - where does the glaze step come in - before or after the Modge Podge? Thanks

This is absolutely stunning! Where did you find the original map? I love the idea but I am having trouble finding pictures with enough detail to look good up close. Thanks so much - I really appreciate the help! Can't wait to try this myself :D